Miracle Birth: How a Sophisticated Ma Mian Skirt Was Designed
Through collaboration with the designer, we ensured that every pattern on each skirt has its origins, making it both reasoned and meaningful. This bronze Ma Mian skirt has seen a lot of effort from the designer. We went through 5-6 versions before finally reaching the current satisfactory result. Additionally, we have been working on different hidden color versions, though we haven't decided if they will be released. You can leave your suggestions, and we will gradually reveal the abandoned color versions based on the feedback.
Back to the main topic, let's first talk about the dragon and phoenix patterns, along with the mysterious bird, which are instantly noticeable on the skirt.
Top section: Openwork dragon and phoenix pattern - This pattern references the bronze dragon and phoenix plaques with an openwork design from the Warring States period. It features a beast head holding a ring, with the main body being the legendary Chinese monster, the Taotie. The beast's face is decorated with Taotie patterns and the forehead is adorned with swirling cloud patterns, giving it a luxurious but not overly feminine look, majestic yet not menaci
Middle section: Tianming Xuan Bird - Moving down from the dragon and phoenix pattern, the inspiration for the mysterious bird comes from the movie “Creation of the Gods” with the line "Tianming Xuan Bird, descended to birth Shang." Since there is no clear explanation of what kind of bird the Xuan Bird is, the designer boldly created its shape inspired by the film. The Xuan Bird is considered an auspicious bird with a positive meaning, representing sacred spirituality, freedom, and good luck.
Lower section: Shang Dynasty dragon and tiger bronze wine vessel (zun) - Further down at the skirt's bottom, the pattern is inspired by a Shang Dynasty dragon and tiger bronze wine vessel. Its belly has cloud and thunder patterns as a base, adorned with three sets of tiger-eating-man motifs, while the lower ring foot is decorated with Taotie patterns. Widely used in the movie "Creation of the Gods," we also incorporated these motifs at the skirt's bottom, symbolizing wisdom and spiritual will.
Bottom embellishment: Bronze divine tree with vertical birds - Next to the Taotie pattern stands the vertical bird, which is inspired by the bronze divine tree relics from Sanxingdui. This tree reflects the ancient Shu people's reverence for the sun, and the bronze crows are believed to be the solar deity's birds. These "communication birds" stand on the copper flower and fruit, with three crested feathers on their heads, each feather punctuated with a hole at the tip, signifying immortality and rebirth.
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